Clark Builders Group Delivers 50th Townhome at George Mason University

FAIRFAX, Va. — Clark Builders Group (CBG) recently celebrated delivery of its first 50 units of faculty and staff housing at George Mason University (GMU). Selected in the fall of 2008 by first-time client Mason Housing, Inc, CBG is constructing a total of 157 townhomes across 37 buildings at GMU's main Fairfax campus. The project, which will promote faculty and staff recruitment and retention, is under budget and ahead of schedule for completion in the spring of 2010.

"Clark Builders Group has used tremendous efforts to get quality work done in a timely manner. I am very impressed with the workmanship; notably with high quality masonry, carpentry and finish work. Clark Builders Group has been very creative in overcoming our schedule obstacles and I've been very impressed with the dedication, professionalism and client commitment of the entire team," said Tom Calhoun, executive director of Mason Housing, Inc. "Clark Builders Group has gone above and beyond what's expected of them to ensure delivery of a housing development that we will be proud of for a long time. I am proud to be partnering with Clark on this important and exciting project."

The project team overcame several challenges, including a total of 40 weather delays, to deliver these first 50 units on schedule. With commitment to revised timelines, team members credit superior teamwork and collaboration for their success. For instance, field staff worked extra hours and weekends to compensate for scheduling setbacks.

"As a team, we are very proud of our ability to overcome challenges and keep our commitment to delivering the project on time and under budget," said John Villa, Clark Builders Group's executive on the project. "We look forward to delivering the remainder of these high-quality homes at George Mason University."

Designed for quality and affordability, the GMU project provides beautiful rental townhomes to faculty and staff within a phased delivery schedule. All new construction will consist of wood-framed buildings in a vibrant color palette, with brick, stone, and cement board facades. Individual homes span five unit types and range from one- to three-bedrooms. Homes boast granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, ceramic tile flooring, and the option for either an attached or detached garage.

The project team also improved the project site with eco-friendly pervious paving, two tot lots, and additional pedestrian walkways. Above and beyond the initial scope, the team also revamped an adjacent soccer field, basketball courts, and softball field.

To maintain an emphasis on environmentally-friendly construction, CBG implemented an expansive storm water management pond to preserve adjacent creeks, recycled all construction debris at a local site, developed multiple rain gardens that eliminate the need for irrigation, and reused excess project soil. The team also took a multiple-step approach to preserve and protect existing trees, and will improve nearby Roberts Road with acceleration lanes, deceleration lanes, and asphalt walking trails.

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